KraussMaffei has announced plans to exhibit a fully integrated production portfolio at JEC World 2026 in Paris from March 10 to 12. The company will present technologies that combine reaction engineering, additive manufacturing, and injection molding for high-temperature polymers and composites. The display, set for Hall 6 at Booth D51, will feature 3D-printed components in PEEK, PESU, and PEI, alongside composite parts, including sandwich underbody protection and an LED-illuminated vehicle front panel {{cite:}}.
Background
KraussMaffei's strategy emphasizes end-to-end systems for composite and polymer component production, covering the process from development to series manufacturing. This approach builds on previous offerings showcased at JEC events, such as FiberForm, RTM, ColorForm, LFI, and pultrusion technologies introduced at JEC World 2025 and earlier editions {{cite:}}{{cite:}}.
Details
KraussMaffei states it is the only supplier in the sector developing complete in-house production lines that integrate reaction processes, additive manufacturing, and injection molding {{cite:}}. Central to its additive suite is the proprietary printCore extruder, which powers the powerPrint Plus and powerPrint Flex systems. These units support processing temperatures up to 400°C and output rates ranging from several hundred grams per hour to 70 kg/h {{cite:}}{{cite:}}.
The company highlights that its additive manufacturing systems enable rapid prototyping and early geometry validation. 3D printing allows for quick iteration of thin-walled, large-area prototypes based on CAD models, shortening design cycles and supporting integration with composite manufacturing processes such as LFI and sandwich construction {{cite:}}{{cite:}}.
Exhibited composite parts include a sandwich underbody protection unit and an illuminated front panel finished with ColorForm for a durable, self-healing polyurethane surface. LFI demonstrations illustrate torsion-resistant sandwich structures built from fiber-reinforced cores, highlighting lightweight, high-stiffness options for vehicle structures {{cite:}}.
Outlook
As the automotive and allied industries advance toward lightweight, circular, and high-performance materials, the effectiveness of KraussMaffei's integrated platform in reducing development time, minimizing material waste, and enabling recycled or bio-based resin use will be scrutinized. The integration of additive and composite systems may shape supplier strategies, influence software integration, and drive workforce development amid lean manufacturing trends.
